Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Flip

Original poster

any advice on setting up a cafe/general small business advice?

15 replies

hearts · 12/02/2006 17:51

There is a popular parade of shops near us and lots of mums in the area - a couple of units are up for rent and I really really believe that a family cafe would be a great success. I have loads of creative ideas but no experience whatsoever either of catering or selfemployment. I have a bit of sense and I was a solicitor until a couple of years ago so am quite organised. I don't know whether to investigate it further - bit terrified of failing or finding out its a non-starter due to the costs of setting up. Would love some advice....

OP posts:

SenoraPostrophe · 12/02/2006 18:07

well...

catering is blinking hard work but as long as you keep a tight reign on costs (i.e. buy second hand tables & chairs etc), it can be done. A friend of mine ran a very successful cafe with no experience at all for a few years.

Original poster

hearts · 13/02/2006 09:51

Mmmm - I do go very hot and cold on it - love the idea but had the feeling it would be very hard work - my Mum is about to help but undoubtedly would need someone else to come on board and employing people is bit of a mine field I'd imagine.....why did your friend stop and what happened to the business then? Did someone buy it?

OP posts:

zippitippitoes · 13/02/2006 09:57

starting your own business is always hard work, but can be very rewarding..have you seen the starting a sandwich shop thread which may also have some info for you

and business link do mini courses which cover a lot of info if you are totally starting from scratch with a business and can also give you help with your business plan

jambuttie · 13/02/2006 10:14

Oh I would love to have my own cafe. It is something I too have thought aboiut for a very long time.

I have catering experience though my health and hygiene certificate has expired so would need to resit that.

MMMMM what area are you in and we could maybe help each other?

Original poster

hearts · 13/02/2006 11:07

We live in York - anywhere near?

OP posts:

jambuttie · 13/02/2006 11:32

unfortunatly not I am in West Lothian Scotland

Skribble · 14/02/2006 02:22

Hi hearts, I am in a similar position. i did a 4 day course over 4 weeks for business start up.

Catering is quite had for a start up as you have a lot of fitting out, equipment cost, environmental health requirments etc.

Is the unit you are looking at already set up as a cafe? I was considering a cafe but found the trading hours were quite limited and turnovers for similar businesses were quite low even once established. Try daltons weekly for a nose.

You will have to do a lot of research find out when mums are likely to come, you might find most will only pop in through the day and on saturdays, find out if they are likely to come afterschool with the older kids. Don't forget to cater for the older generation too.

Isyhan · 14/02/2006 19:24

you aren't the lady who was going to start a cafe in the local nursery (plants) are you?

Skribble · 15/02/2006 20:27

That sounds like a good idea for some reason everyone likes having a cuppa or lunch in garden centres .

fsmail · 16/02/2006 09:40

Try your local business link or chamber of commerce as they offer courses and can offer advice for you.

fsmail · 16/02/2006 09:41

This website has some links /link{http://babesandbriefcase.co.uk}on the things to do this week.

Original poster

hearts · 16/02/2006 18:28

No I'm not the one who was going to go for a cafe in the nursery - but that sounds a good idea! Our local garden centre has one and we often go there to look at the fish and guinea pigs etc and then have coffee and cake! I'm grateful for the advice and I think I will phone business link and see if the whole idea is mad. I think I just need to feel I have "made something happen" in life other than bringing up baby - noble though that is...!

OP posts:

zippitippitoes · 12/03/2006 19:09

did you make any move forward with your plans?

drosophila · 12/03/2006 19:16

Well my advise is to always stay on top of your books. I used to be a tax inspector for the catering trade and I saw a lot of cafe's struggle. Location is key but you probably know that. You would be shocked at how little some places took especially those down backstreets.

Being organised is crucial too.

Original poster

hearts · 13/03/2006 14:35

I'm still mulling it over but think its a big commitment at the moment - we are trying to decide whether to go for another baby or not so probably need to leave it alone for a while. Am going to post new thread now to ask how other mums at home retain their sanity without going back to work....

OP posts:

Flip